Weds PM Offshore

[DOGHOUSE26]

Made an appearance at work this morning then joined my son Chris at the boat by 11AM for a shot at the billfish points and I must admit feeling a little cocky. Loaded a few macks from the receiver and a 1/2 scoop of EB Dines and we're off towards the 182,224 ,230 and beyond. Navy Warship#52 is doing magnetic checks while circling 5 miles off off the jetty; after realigning our course to their satisfaction Chris yells SWORDY off the starboard bow and takes the helm while I pin a bait on my Avet swordy setup. This fish is booking up the coast and it's hard for Chris to get in front. The fish doesn't look like a monster but something about the dorsal is different. When I cast the mack it ends up even with the fish and about 20 feet short, the fish stops and turns and we both get a better look, HAMMERHEAD! Oh well, the shark swims by the bait and heads in a different direction, I put the next cast on his nose and he keeps going. We pick up and find a paddy @ 7.5nm to pull a rat YT off of, I pop one off with a backlash! Whales all over the outside of the 9; another buddy hit outside the middle for a huge kelp that pumped out quite a few nice fish. We continued to inside the 182 where Chris snaps a 10-12# dodo off on a paddy, that was it. We head towards 2224,302, and 230 and it's a dead zone. Chased a radio report 15nm west for nothing, but mucho seiners and accessories just inside the East Butterfly. Came back into the 9 late and baited a nice Mako (100-150#) but no luck. Found the paddy my buddy fished earlier and Chris hooked and fought a 15# dodo for 10 min only to have it spit the hook just out of reach. Beautiful calm ocean, sunny afternoon. I think there is just as much action along the drop off as there is down south. No sign of Billfish for us though.

[yellowfin1]

Well at least you got out Jeff. Sounds like you did everything right. I guess those hammerhead fins are pretty similar to a swordfish fin. I'm sure you'll get you marlin soon.

Scott

[NoSlack]

I'll hit the 9 thursday after work if the wind stays calm. If the wind comes up I'll be back after the flat meat.

Mike

[NoSlack]

Got in a good whale watching trip but no yellows or dorado.

I'll have to devote a full day next week to the offshore stuff.

Mike

[DOGHOUSE26]

My buddy is going long (295) Friday, hopefully I'll get a report to post Fri Night. We were going to buddy boat but something came up ($3.50/gallon) so I couldn't (wouldn't) make it.

[NoSlack]

I'v got to work all weekend so I'll have a little extra pocket change next week to waist on fuel.

Red on tap for $2.80 at the truck stop.

Mike

[DOGHOUSE26]

With my MBMC Discount it was $3.14/gal @ 123.5 gallons last week at Dana Landing

[yellowfin1]

Looks like it's well worth it to trailer down to SOCAL truck stop. I love that place. A bonus are the outstanding ice cream bars thaey have there. If you are military retiree or active duty or a dependent you can get diesel for about $3.05 per gal at MCRD or the Navy Exchange station on Nimitz and Rosecrans.

[Wizard]

I think I'll just move to Mexico, $1.79 a gallon for diesel at the Coral Marina a couple of weeks ago. :p

[NoSlack]

Friday at 11:30 it's $2.76 at the truck stop

[yellowfin1]

Been there done that. $2.76 was a pleasant surprise. Filled up with 80 gal. Now it's time to put some points on the board.